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Summary
| Last updated: 02.03.05 |
- HIV-positive women can now be almost sure to have an HIV-negative baby by using anti-HIV drugs, having a caesarean delivery and not breastfeeding.
- The course of HIV infection in babies and children is different to that seen in adults and needs specialist monitoring, care, and treatment.
- Infants can have very high viral loads without necessarily being ill, and children under six can have CD4 cell counts higher than those seen in adults and yet still be at risk of serious illness.
- HAART is effective in babies and children and can mean a longer, healthier life.
- All infants and children who are ill because of HIV, or have a rapidly falling CD4 cell count or rising viral load should take treatment.
- HAART can cause side-effects in children which may not always be the same as in adults.
- Adherence is as important in children as it is in adults.
- Children with HIV need appropriate information about their illness.